I probably won;t check bags all the way through. I get that if there is a delay, I won't be protected as the tickets are separately issued. But are my connection times (specifically in LHR) padded enough? All flight in Business Class.

If everything is on time, you should be fine. It's advisable to OLCI and print your bp in advance, so if you are delayed, you can bypass the check in desk and run to the gate.

3 hours in LCA should be fine. Last check in for BA is around 30 mins before departure. If you have your boarding pass in advance, you can follow the flight connections signs in LHR saving you go though immigration. You get a free airside bus to T1. Check in closes in LHR for UA 60 mins before dep.

If you have to go through immigration in LHR, head for the Heathrow Express and get the free train to Heathrow Central/T123. This goes every 15 mins or so, and takes about 5 minutes. From there, it's a 10 minute walk to T1.

Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 1):3 hours in LCA should be fine. Last check in for BA is around 30 mins before departure. If you have your boarding pass in advance, you can follow the flight connections signs in LHR saving you go though immigration. You get a free airside bus to T1. Check in closes in LHR for UA 60 mins before dep.

Out of curiosity: I assume that in order to use the airside bus that the OP will need to check bags through at least from LCA to IAD? I think that my preferred route here would be to do just that -- Claim bags at LCA, where there is a comfortable layover and ask BA to check them through to the UA flight. Then remain airside at LHR where the layover is shorter and you are contending with a bigger, busier airport with a somewhat shorter connection.

Still waiting for the 727-9MAX with PW GTF engines... The ultimate 757 replacement.

Quoting RyanairGuru (Reply 3):Unfortunately there is something like a 0% chance of them doing this. BA refuse to through check bags (even on their own metal!) unless the two segments are ticketed together.

I've just thought of something: see in CY in TLV can through check you luggage through to IAD or LAX. That way it is checked over LHR, meaning you can use the airside bus and avoid UK immigration etc. Even if they can only check it to IAD, you would have to pick it up their for CBP anyway.